Centralization or Decentralization? The Future of Global Climate Governance

Abstract

Compared with other global issues, climate change is relatively slow yet its consequences have spread throughout ages. To migrate and adapt climate change, a series of efforts and arrangements have been made. However, the proliferation of institutional arrangements regulating climate change has resulted in a fragmentation and decentralization of climate governance. Whether centralization or decentralization would be more effective for future climate governance is a heat topic discussed by scholars. This paper argues that institutional fragmentation could contribute to the effectiveness of climate governance in the short term, as fragmented institutions could facilitate faster agreement and promote the participation of emerging powers.